Kim Yong-hyun's Lawyers Jailed for Disrupting Courtroom

During the Han Duck-soo insurrection trial, lawyers for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun violated courtroom procedures. The court had previously warned against disruptive behavior, and took action after the lawyers refused to leave. Contempt of court is a sanction imposed by the court for disrupting courtroom order.

The court denied a request for a trusted associate to be present with Kim Yong-hyun, and when lawyer Lee Ha-sang attempted to speak, he was ordered to leave. When Lee Ha-sang refused, the court ordered his detention. Attorney Kwon Woo-hyun also refused the judge's order to leave, and was similarly held in contempt.

Judge Lee Jin-gwan emphasized that prior warnings had been given regarding courtroom disruptions, and stated that the measures were necessary to maintain order. The case involves allegations of insurrection against former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, with Kim Yong-hyun suspected of involvement as the Minister of Defense at the time.

During the morning session, former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min appeared as a witness, but was fined 500,000 won for refusing to take the oath. Furthermore, Lee Sang-min refused to answer questions from the special prosecutor's team. The court foreshadowed the issuance of arrest warrants for President Yoon Suk-yeol and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun. This is a measure to secure necessary witnesses for the trial. The lawyers' contempt charges raise concerns about disruptions to the trial proceedings.

Judge Lee Jin-gwan emphasized the maintenance of courtroom order throughout the trial, and warned that he would take stern action if the lawyers' actions were deemed to be obstructing the proceedings. The lawyers who were held in contempt are reportedly awaiting their contempt hearing. Depending on the outcome of the hearing, the lawyers could be detained for a certain period.

The court adopted a firm stance to establish courtroom order, vowing to deal strictly with witness refusals to appear or testify, and disruptive behavior. It stated that it may take compulsory measures, such as executing arrest warrants, if necessary. Concerns have been raised that Lee Sang-min's refusal to take the oath and testify could hinder the discovery of the truth. The special prosecutor's team said it will consider legal action. Whether to execute arrest warrants for President Yoon Suk-yeol and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun has not yet been decided. The court is keeping all options open to secure witnesses.